Perique - the leaf, not the product. Worth growing?

[DaleB]

I bought some seeds last fall, intending to plant this spring, and I'm about to get them started. One of the varieties I bought was Perique. I thought at the time that I might make my own perique - the fermented end product. I doubt now that I'll do that any time soon, but I'm curious as to whether the air cured leaf will be good for pipe blends in place of, say, the burley component. I also have some Yellow Twist Bud, along with a few other varieties of seed. I've got very limited space to grow, so should I bother with the Perique or leave those seeds for another year?

 

[ProZachJ]

See my recent exposition of this variety's value...

https://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/prozachjs-2024-grow-log.12249/post-224147

In my experience with smoking it so far it is, when air cured, like a light burley, but not nearly as alkaline so it can't be used in place of burley in a blend.

I've had good success with an intermediate fermentation method that produces a pretty flavorful result. Worked both in a vacuum bag and a taped up carotte.

ProZachJ's 2024 Grow Log

Happy New Year! Here is the spread of my Staghorn Tops. Nice dark color. Texture and feel very similar to WLT DAC.

fairtradetobacco.com

 

[DaleB]

I'm going to go ahead and grow some. I'll see what it's like on its own; I'll either find a way to use it in blends, or sock it away until I decide to ferment it, or I'm sure it'll make perfectly good Cavendish if all else fails.

 

[plantdude]

Good choice, grow the perique, you'll thank yourself for it latter even if you don't ferment it. It's one of those that stands out on its own for many purposes.

 

[HillDweller]

Good choice, grow the perique, you'll thank yourself for it latter even if you don't ferment it. It's one of those that stands out on its own for many purposes.

I grew some and it was pretty good just being color cured and smoked fresh like that.

 

[plantdude]

Perique is one of the few tobacco varieties that doesn't seem to need a long ageing period. That's a big plus in my book, especially for new growers starting out in the hobby.